Arch Med Sci
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Pregnant women negative for human platelet antigen 1a (HPA-1a) are at risk of alloimmunization with fetal HPA-1a antigen inherited from the father, and their offspring may develop fetal and neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT). The aim of this study was to analyze the frequency of HPA-1a alloimmunization in pregnant Polish women, the feasibility of using maternal platelets for intrauterine transfusions in women subjected to diagnostic fetal blood sampling (FBS) and to discuss potential consequences of alloimmunization. ⋯ HPA-1a negative women (ca. 2.5% of all pregnant patients) are at risk of alloimmunization with HPA-1a antigen and developing FNAIT. Alloimmunized women can be donors of platelets for their offspring providing removal of antibodies from PC. Owing to potential complications, special care should be taken if an alloimmunized woman was qualified as a blood or stem cell recipient.
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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and congestive heart failure (CHF) patients have higher serum B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), which alters the test interpretation. We aim to define BNP cutoff levels to diagnose acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in CKD according to CHF subtype: heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). ⋯ BNP cutoff values for the diagnosis of ADHF in HFrEF were higher than those in HFpEF across CKD stages 3-4, with moderate discriminatory diagnostic ability.
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The aim of this study was to assess quality of life among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated as outpatients. The specific question was: does the quality of life of RA patients depend on demographic variables and clinical variables? ⋯ The study results may be helpful for further health-related studies on quality of life among RA studies and in making therapeutic decisions concerning quality of life improvement.
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Clinical studies have revealed that fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of drugs can have a better effect on blood pressure than free-equivalent combinations (FECs). Our objectives were to perform an up-to-date assessment of the effectiveness of FDCs and FECs in antihypertensive therapy, to provide more accurate results by using a stratified meta-analysis. ⋯ In comparison with FECs, the FDC treatment is associated with a significant improvement in the cooperation between a doctor and a patient and with increased patients' adherence to the treatment schedule.
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Review
Probiotics for management of infantile colic: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.
Infantile colic is a common pediatric problem. The cause of infantile colic remains unclear. Treatment options are limited. Evidence suggests that probiotics might offer some benefit. The aim of the study was to systematically assess the effectiveness of probiotics supplementation in the management of infantile colic. ⋯ Some probiotics, primarily L. reuteri DSM 17938, may be considered for the management of infantile colic. Data on other probiotics are limited.